The two men stood in silence for a moment longer before Neron straightened, pushing off the wall.
"We should get going. Missions won't wait for us."
Legris nodded, stepping forward and extending a hand. "Good luck out there, Neron. Make sure you come back in one piece."
Neron clasped his hand firmly, a rare smile crossing his face. "You too, Legris. Don't do anything reckless."
They released their grip, stepping back from each other.
"See you on the other side," Legris said as he turned to walk away, his steps confident and purposeful.
"See you," Neron replied, watching his friend disappear down the hallway.
As Neron turned to leave, he felt a weight lift from his shoulders. The path ahead was dangerous, but he knew they both had what it took to see it through.
For the first time in a long while, he allowed himself a moment of hope.
*********
~BOOOOOOMMMM!!!~
